Commissioners vote to rezone historical Seabreeze community

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) -- Seabreeze residents got some upsetting news tonight as New Hanover County Commissioners approved a rezoning request.

The Seabreeze community has long been a historical part of our area, serving as a resort for many black families coming to spend time by the shore. In June, the New Hanover County Planning Board approved a request to rezone about 2.5 acres of the area from a highway business classification to residential.

The change allows for four single-family homes to be built on the land. Monday night commissioners agreed to move forward with the rezoning, voting 4 to 1 in favor of it.

“We didn't prevail today, but there's still some ongoing legal issues and we'll take a hard look at whether we'll be able to pursue those and go from there and see what we can do to preserve the history of Seabreeze,” says Courtland Simmons, who has lived in the community on and off for three decades.

Simmons helped organize a petition against the rezoning that was given to commissioners during the meeting. He says organizers gathered about 800 signatures.

Commissioner Jonathan Barfield was the only one to not vote in favor of the rezoning.

Disclaimer: Comments posted on this, or any story are opinions of those people posting them, and not the views or opinions
of WWAY NewsChannel 3, its management or employees. You can view our comment policy here.

Please,everyone make a STATEMENT over this ruling concerning our community. Vote in the upcoming election this is just one way to have a voice because the county boys seem bias. Thanks Jonathan for your vote

Is this a first - our republican led, pro- business, pro-jobs, pro-tourism commissioners - have taken the lead in Stoping the Business growth & eliminating the opportunity for community based jobs and access to public waters.
This was a vote against - long term job, against - waterfront business & commercial access.
Let's next shut- down some of that commercial waterfront at Airlie Rd or is that in the wrong neighborhood - and would be too difficult for the Commissioners.